The Halton Hills Public Library Board announces the retirement of Geoffrey Cannon, Chief Librarian, who is set to retire in June of 2020.
Just as a book can have many chapters, such is the case for Geoff Cannon, after serving 30 years as a professional librarian with the Halton Hills Public Library - the last three years as its Chief Librarian.
Cannon was first employed by the Halton Hills Public Library 39 years ago when he was hired as a student Page while attending Georgetown District High School.
Cannon, who has gone through two facility renovations and has held progressively senior roles over the last three decades starting as the Reference Librarian, has seen a lot change within the library field. He has been instrumental in advancing and restructuring the ever-changing technology landscape, including the way patrons access information.
“There has been a massive shift in how the public accesses information, and in how we deliver services. We are about changing peoples’ lives, offering access to new ideas and information, and providing programs, services, and collections to help residents realize their life goals,” says Cannon.
During his time as Deputy Chief and then Chief Librarian, Mr. Cannon successfully operationalized the Library Board’s 2017-2022 Strategic Plan, expanded the Fines Free initiative to include children and youth, planned and executed significant changes in the service model that included an organizational restructuring with a focus on customer service, invested in community outreach and youth by establishing the Community Librarian and Youth Services librarian positions, is very proud of the Library’s sustainable wooden cards initiative that won the Minister’s Award for Innovation, and championed programs and services that support the underserved in our community (Drag Storytime, all
gender washrooms, Truth and Reconciliation initiatives, etc). He assisted with the expansion and renovations of the Georgetown Branch and was project lead for the replacement of the Acton Branch, currently the Town’s only LEED Gold certified facility.
Cannon adds, “I have been very fortunate to have worked with forward thinking Councils, and collaborative colleagues at the Town of Halton Hills who have supported the Library, its purpose and values of innovation, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. Plus, It has been truly wonderful and amazing to work with so many dedicated and talented HHPL employees, Board members, volunteers and colleagues, who have come together many times to work with devotion and passion for the same cause. For this I am truly humbled and honoured.”
Under his leadership, the Library Board has completed various critical plans, which have not only set the tone for the future of HHPL services but also provided ongoing guidance for their transformation, including an increased online presence and updated electronic services, as well as improvements in staff training and education.
"With a truly dedicated and supportive team of staff, Geoff has encouraged a lifelong love of reading, learning and literacy for so many people, both young and old, in Halton Hills," said HHPL Board Chair, Tamara Smith-Miksic. "On behalf of the entire HHPL family, I wish Geoff the very best as he embarks on his next exciting and thrilling chapter!"
In his retirement Cannon plans to keep busy volunteering with various charities in his home community, golfing, cooking, travelling, relaxing with his partner Sharon and their dogs, continuing his love of reading, and enjoying a variety of other projects he has on the go.
The Library Board is currently conducting the search for a new Chief Librarian.
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